A colourful oasis blooms in the heart of Kilnamanagh
THIS blooming beautiful garden is creating a buzz not only with pollinators but locals passing by, as they enjoy the variety and colour of this thriving lockdown garden.
Noel and Geraldine Cavanagh have been living in Kilnamanagh for more than four decades, and it’s not only their garden that’s blooming as the couple celebrate 45 years of marriage this year.
Together they have created a colourful oasis filled with more than 50 varieties of plants, which are thriving among salad leaves, tomatoes and other veg.
Noel (71) has been interested in gardening his whole life, an interest which grew when he retired four years ago, and which flourished during lockdown.
“Gardening is a fantastic hobby, and it’s very therapeutic . . . especially after the past year and a half we’ve had,” Noel told The Echo.
“It keeps you fit as well – it keeps me on my feet.”
Tomatoes and other vegetables, and colourful flowers out front
Noel, who has an allotment in Corkagh Park, added: “I’m no Gerry Daly, I’m learning by mistakes all the time.
“We’re all learning in life and I’m definitely still learning about gardening, but it’s just something I love doing.
“I have learned that you can garden no matter where you live, if you have a balcony, you can still grow.”
Growing around 90 per cent from seed, Noel is a member of the National Gardening Society, and last year the couple’s garden won first prize for Small Summer Front Garden.
Noel and Geraldine’s garden also attracts attention from passers-by, many of whom stop on the path to enjoy the blooms.
The Cavanagh household can be justifiably proud of their award-winning garden with its wishing well
“People stop and have a look, have a chat about the garden,” Noel said.
“It’s great to have a chat with people, with social distance of course.
“We’d share clippings with our neighbours as well and we all share ideas . . . we’ve really good neighbours.”
Noel also mentioned how his four grandchildren have over the years provided a helping hand in the garden, keeping it tidy and planting sunflower seeds.
Alongside flowers, the couple have also integrated some homemade features into their garden, including a wishing well made by Noel.
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